Current Trends of Big Data Research Using the Korean National Health Information Database

Abstract

Recently, medical research using big data has become very popular, and its value has become increasingly recognized. The Korean National Health Information Database (NHID) is representative of big data that combines information obtained from the National Health Insurance Service collected for claims and reimbursement of health care services and results obtained from general health examinations provided to all Korean adults. This database has several strengths and limitations. Given the large size, various laboratory data, and questionnaires obtained from medical check-ups, their longitudinal nature, and long-term accumulation of data since 2002, carefully designed studies may provide valuable information that is difficult to obtain from other forms of research. However, consideration of possible bias and careful interpretation when defining causal relationships is also important because the data were not collected for research purposes. After the NHID became publicly available, research and publications based on this database have increased explosively, especially in the field of diabetes and metabolism. This article reviews the history, structure, and characteristics of the Korean NHID. Recent trends in big data research using this database, commonly used operational diagnosis, and representative studies have been introduced. We expect further progress and expansion of big data research using the Korean NHID.

Predicting the Risk of Insulin-Requiring Gestational Diabetes before Pregnancy: A Model Generated from a Nationwide Population-Based Cohort Study in Korea

“…The NHIS certifies hospitals that provide health screenings and conducts routine quality control. Information about the NHIS database is provided elsewhere [14,15].…”

A nationwide cohort study on diabetes severity and risk of Parkinson disease

“…All examinees were requested to have biannual health checkups, except nonoffice workers who are employee subscribers (annual health checkups). The results from these health examinations are compiled into preventive health checkup datasets, which constitute the largest nationwide cohort database of laboratory information in Korea 30 – 33 .…”

“…Patients who met the diagnostic criteria with physician certification were offered up to a 90% copayment reduction after RID program registration. Because the NHIS could refuse to pay hospital costs if a diagnosis did not meet specific criteria, cases are reviewed by medical institutions prior to submission to the NHIS and a reliable diagnosis can be presumed 30 .…”

Cholecystectomy increases the risk of metabolic syndrome in the Korean population: a longitudinal cohort study

“…The NHIS collects patients' demographic data, such as that related to the region, age, sex, medical utilization/transaction information, claims and deduction data, and insurers' payment coverage. The NHIS database has been described in detail in previous studies (13)(14)(15). The NHIS manages a biennial health check-up program for all insured Koreans aged >40 years, and an annual NHIS health check-up is recommended for employee subscribers who are aged >20 years.…”